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The story begins with shape-shifters, four birds - Eagle, Raven, Hawk, and Owl - perched on telephone lines on the outskirts of the Native community.

They are spiritual helpers to a group of teens - Shining Star, Theresa,

on many adventures, and encounter intrigue in the process!

Journey of Trade introduces the four shape-shifters as well as the main characters of Shining Star; her father, Bear; and her grandmother, Light Woman. The story moves back and forth in time, showing readers how the

EAGLE Eagle is an ancient spirit: all knowing, all seeing. As a human, he transforms

into a strong leader who guides others through their journeys. He

wears a medicine bag

OWL Owl is a wise one, and beyond. As a

human, she conveys wisdom to others about their life situations. Owl always

carries her fringed purse.

RAVEN Raven is the one who brings balance; all-encompassing of all the attributes

of life. In human form, she evokes reasonable consideration of all facts.

Raven wears a turquoise ring.

HAWK Hawk is a hunter and a messenger, a patient observer with a quirky sense

of humor. In human form, he is always

wears his bead and bone choker.

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Rose Red Elk (Sioux/Assiniboine)Author of the Empowerment $aga series of stories, Rose is an international performing arts entertainer, also known by her Native American traditional and stage name, Red Feather Woman. An accomplished award winning recording artist, storyteller, singer, songwriter and author from the Fort Peck Reservation in Poplar, Montana, and an enrolled member of the Sioux/Assiniboine Tribes, Rose continues to discover the realms of spiritual awareness through the gift of storytelling, in written, oral and

blended with ancient stories from the past.

www.redfeatherwoman.com

Matthew BarkhausenMatthew worked with the Native American and woman

owned small business Circuit Media as an illustrator for the Empowerment $aga series of stories. His artwork for this and

other projects focuses on Native American culture. He has provided artwork to the Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of

Commerce and other Native American organizations. Matthew is of Cherokee and Tuscarora heritage. He has a B.A. in interactive

media design from the Art Institute of Colorado.

www.matthewbarkhausen.comOther Circuit Media illustrators who contributed greatly tothe project were Jon Hormachea, creative design director,Abby McMillen, illustrator, and Ali Bibbo, graphic designer.

Joseph ArnoldWorking as a freelancer for a Denver based company, Joe created

philosophy that dedication and practice are critical aspects of

Army 82nd Airborne and three years with the Colorado National Guard, Joe completed his education in June 2102 at The Art

animation. He has worked for Disney Online Studios Boulder and 12-6 Studios in Denver.

Original concept by J.P. Barham

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Creating the Empowerment $agaThe Empowerment $aga is a series of stories to engage youth 14-18 years of age in developing

These stories, offered in colorful comic-style graphics, are reservation-based in order to

institutions, Native organizations, and others to offer culturally sensitive

Country by encouraging youth-to-youth and multi-generational discussions about this topic.

consequences when this knowledge is not known or used properly.

The characters and stories of the Empowerment $aga series are wholly-owned by the

in Indian Country, please contact:

brian_ross@ost.doi.gov

or

1-888-678-6836

http://www.doi.gov/ost/fto

1849 C Street NWWashington, DC 20240

202-208-4866

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